Two men have been jailed after burning and mutilating a semi-conscious man following an argument over last year’s X Factor final.

Lee Stynes, 28, and Mathew Gannaway-Pitts, 18, carried out the attack on Brian Wade just hours after Matt Cardle was announced the winner of X Factor 2010.

A man was attacked after rowing about X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson (PA)

They poured boiling water over Mr Wade and then bludgeoned him with the kettle, severing one of his ears. The victim was left with a disfigured ear and skin pigmentation on his head while the vicious attack also worsened his epilepsy.

It was reported that the men had been drinking heavily and had earlier argued over whether runner-up Rebecca Ferguson would win the X Factor and if she would sleep with any of them.

Stynes, who has a history of violence and 42 previous convictions, was jailed indefinitely at Exeter Crown Court while Gannaway-Pitts, who was 17 at the time of the attack, was sentenced to 16 months in jail. He reportedly started beating Mr Wade, before Stynes joined in.

Judge Erik Salomonsen told the men: ‘Your victim was falling asleep, his speech was slurred and you set upon him.

‘Regardless of who started it, you have been involved in a horrific attack.’